Recently, Canalys, a well-known market research agency, released a shocking report. The report states that with Microsoft's plan to end mainstream support for Windows 10 in October 2025, there will be more than 2400 million devices are on the verge of obsolescence. This figure accounts for about one-fifth of all Windows 10 devices currently in operation, and heralds a further intensification of the e-waste problem.
Windows 10, as a revolutionary operating system launched by Microsoft, has received widespread attention and praise since its release. It not only brings users a new interface design and interactive experience, but also provides many innovative features and security enhancements. However, as technology continues to advance and market needs change, Microsoft has decided to shift its focus to newer operating systems and gradually reduce support for Windows 10.
According to Canalys' estimates, once Microsoft stops mainstream support for Windows 10, the number of affected devices will reach a staggering 2400 million units. These devices will no longer be able to receive official security updates and patches, causing them to become vulnerable to cyberattacks and malware. For businesses and individual users, continued use of an unsupported operating system poses a significant security risk.
In addition to safety risks, these end-of-life devices can have a serious impact on the environment. E-waste has become a global challenge, containing a large number of harmful substances and materials that are difficult to degrade. If these devices are discarded or disposed of incorrectly, they will cause serious pollution to soil, water and air, threatening human health and ecological environment.
In the report, Canalys also mentions a shocking analogy: if these end-of-life devices were laptops, they would be stacked at a height of more than 600 kilometers in the diameter of the moon when folded. This figure visually demonstrates the severity of the e-waste problem and calls for people to pay more attention to the disposal and ** of discarded electronic devices.
Microsoft is not inactive in the face of this challenge. While mainstream support for Windows 10 is coming to an end, Microsoft says it will offer paid Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for three years for individual users and businesses. This means that users can continue to receive security patches and updates for an additional fee, protecting their devices from potential threats. However, the exact fee schedule has not yet been announced, and users need to keep an eye on Microsoft's official announcement for more information.
For businesses and organizations, relying solely on paid extended security updates may not be the best solution. They should consider developing a comprehensive migration plan to gradually transition devices and applications to newer operating systems. This not only ensures the security of systems and data, but also improves employee productivity and user experience.
In addition, environmental groups and technology companies should also strengthen cooperation to tackle the problem of e-waste. By promoting a circular economy, setting stringent e-waste standards, and providing incentives, more people can be encouraged to participate in the recycling and reuse of discarded electronic devices.
In conclusion, the end of mainstream support for Microsoft's Windows 10 will have far-reaching global implications. In the face of the upcoming challenges, we need to take proactive steps to ensure the security of devices and data, while paying attention to the environmental and social impacts of the e-waste problem. By working together and implementing innovative solutions, we can move towards a more sustainable and secure digital future.